Ensure that your home is secure if you go away

WHETHER you’re staying at home or going away, ensuring your home is secure should be a priority before the Easter weekend approaches.

“We often see a spate of opportunistic crime over the Easter holiday period. These crimes are not always traditional house break-ins while residents are away but also include driveway hijackings and robberies, and break-ins while residents are entertaining or sleeping in their homes,” ADT’s Charnel Hattingh said.

In the spirit of Easter, she offers these five tips for getting your security in

proper order: Ensure that your alarm is in

working order: Like all household appliances, your alarm needs to be tested regularly. Don’t leave it until the day before you leave, as you may need technical assistance to fix any problems and this could take a few days. Make sure your security provider has access to your property in the

event of an emergency: If you don’t have an access solution in place, such as a lock box, for example, speak to your security provider about what your options are. Cut back any bushes or trees that may offer easy access over walls or gates to your property or provide places for criminals to hide: Take a walk around your perimeter, checking walls and fences for any broken or damaged areas that may compromise their effectiveness. If hiring a house-sitter, ensure that you teach them how to use your alarm correctly: If you don’t

have a house-sitter, ask a neighbour to turn on lights occasionally so that there is a sense that someone is around. If this is not possible, consider putting your outside lights on a timer. Double-check that you’ve locked and secured all windows and doors

before leaving home: Turn off your geyser and electrical appliances.

“If your children are home, make a list of important phone numbers – including the 10111 number – and show them that it has been placed near the phone,” said Hattingh. – Supplied